In an all-party meeting, Karnataka BJP chief Yeddyurappa said that the party should adhere to the decision taken in the state legislature and not release water.

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Rohini Swamy

New Delhi

September 28, 2016

UPDATED: October 3, 2016 12:44 IST

HIGHLIGHTS

Opposition in Karnataka said state govt should not release Cauvery water for TN.

BJP and JD(S)say don't release water.

Karnataka government to take final decision after Cabinet meeting.

The entire opposition in Karnataka is unanimous in suggesting the state government not to release water from Cauvery for Tamil Nadu, as ordered by the Supreme Court.

In an all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru today, Karnataka BJP chief Yeddyurappa said, "We are clear that we should adhere to the decision taken in the state legislature. Tomorrow, there is a meeting with Union minister Uma Bharti. Our view is not to release water. BJP and JD(S) have one opinion on that."

State JD(S) president HD Kumaraswamy also said he has "expressed the party's decision before the all-party meeting that Karnataka should not release any water".

Karnataka Water Resources Minister MB Patil said the government will decide in the Cabinet meeting. "We have taken into account the views opinion of other parties," he said.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had ordered Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu for three days starting today. It also asked the Chief Ministers from the state states to meet and resolve the dispute.

"We can't release water just because the Supreme Court said so, as we are not in a position to do. Let me first read the full order and come back to you," Siddaramaiah told reporters on Tuesday shortly after the apex court read its order.

Karnataka had on Monday sought time till January to comply with the apex court's September 20 order to release 6,000 cusecs daily for a week from September 21-27, as it needs the depleting quantity for drinking needs.